Saudi Arabia has issued a warning to Hajj pilgrims participating in this year’s pil in this year’s pilgrimage about potentially extreme heat in the country. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) of Saudi Arabia said that during the Hajj period, daytime temperatures are expected to range between 40 and 47 degrees Celsius. The agency also informed that nighttime temperatures will remain between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius. Additionally, humidity levels are expected to range between 15% and 60%, which could potentially cause difficulties for pilgrims, according to the agency.
Dr. Ayman Ghulam, the head of NCM, said that during the Hajj period, winds are expected to blow from the north to the northwest at speeds between 25 and 35 kilometers per hour. This could increase the amount of dust in the air, especially in open areas and on highways leading to the holy sites, potentially reducing visibility significantly. Dr. Ayman further stated that there is a possibility of heavy thunderstorms in the highlands of Taif between the 8th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. These storms may extend to Mecca and surrounding areas, and sudden downdrafts of cold air could increase dust levels, potentially increasing risks for pilgrims.
In light of these forecasts, relevant authorities have urged all pilgrims to take all necessary precautions for their safety. Agencies advise drinking plenty of water and using umbrellas to protect from the sun’s heat. They also call on pilgrims to follow weather-related information provided by authorities and prioritize their health and safety. Saudi Arabian authorities have highlighted that they are constantly working on various initiatives to ensure the well-being of pilgrims. For instance, they have recently inaugurated cooled sidewalks in Mecca’s streets. This project, named the “Cooled Roads Initiative,” aims to lower the surface temperature during the hot season, providing more comfort to the millions of pilgrims visiting the country.
Experts have expressed concern about the increasing risk of heat-related illnesses among Hajj pilgrims. They attribute the unusually high temperatures to climate change.
